Israel blaming Hamas for kidnappings...Pakistan strikes back at militants

Sunday, June 15, 2014

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's prime minister isn't saying how Israel knows, but he's accusing the Palestinian militant Hamas group of abducting three teenagers in the West Bank, including an American. Hamas has not claimed responsibility. Benjamin Netanyahu made the announcement today after Israel rounded up 80 Palestinian suspects, including dozens of Hamas members.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Dozens of militants have been killed in northwest Pakistan as military jets retaliated for a deadly airport siege by pounding insurgent hideouts. Officials say they airstrikes targeted those believed responsible for the five-hour siege of the Karachi airport a week ago that killed 36 people, including 10 attackers.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — About 500 Southern California homes have been evacuated to a smoky wildfire burning about 30 miles northeast of Bakersfield. Federal fire officials say the blaze has grown to 810 acres is just 5 percent contained. Officials warn that smoke could cause respiratory problems for some people in the area.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Summer travel, European teaching gigs and relaxation beckon the Supreme Court, but the justices still have some work to do first with 17 outstanding cases and about two weeks left in the term. The religious rights of corporations, the speech rights of abortion protesters and the privacy rights of people under arrest are among the significant issues still unresolved. The justices will meet tomorrow and again on Thursday to issue opinions.

NEW CASTLE, Colo. (AP) — Oil and gas rigs are popping up everywhere thanks to the new drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking and it's taking a toll on inspections. An Associated Press review finds four in 10 new oil and gas wells near national forests and fragile watersheds or other higher pollution risks escape federal inspection. The government is struggling to keep pace with the boom and residents are getting nervous about the potential consequences.